It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. We will explain! Step 2 Construction:Along with size goes construction. North Fork. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-M4Handle Composition: G10Blade Length: 3.6Total Length: 8.46Total Weight: 4.3 Ounces. That exceptionally high hardness level allows this blade to retain its edge even when highly abused for an extremely long time, making this blade very low maintenance and ready to go when you need it most. You need something with a cutting edge long enough to be useful, but it also needs to be a size you can carry anywhere. The Nakamura hosts one of the most comfortable grips on any knife from any manufacturer I have tested and the M390 steel really shines through here as an EDC blade because of its well-roundedness. BENCHMADE 15031-2 NORTH FORK FOLDER S30V NEW IN THE BOX Brand New $175.00 Seller: bugsman57 (638) 100% Buy It Now +$12.60 shipping Sponsored Benchmade HUNT North Fork Folding Knife 15031-2 Dymondwood Handle Brand New $198.00 Top Rated Plus Buy It Now Seller: premiumselectsupplies (43,502) 99.8% Free shipping Free returns 31 watchers Sponsored The Benchmade North Fork is a handsome folding knife designed for hunting, but it has all the right features to make for a great everyday carry blade as well. Benchmade Bugout Vs 940 [Which Is The Right Knife For You?] The North Fork 15031-1 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly. The folding knife isnt just built for hunting, but also suitable for other uses as well.This Benchmade North Fork 1503 review explains everything about this versatile, tactical knife. There is no AXIS lock or AXIS assisted opening but instead, the blade is held in place via friction from the frame. Well, I guess that would be up to you to decide but for me, its an obvious no brainer. Both models use a full stainless steel liner to protect against wear, and if the blade does loosen at all you can tighten it back up with the bolt. I don't like my mini grip. Since this Benchmade knifes thumbhole has the same purpose, were also calling it a Spydie hole. It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. The full tang construction makes sure that the blade is more durable and steadier than folded knives. My current daily carry is the SOG AE24-CP Aegis Mini, and if you are familiar with it or similar products, it is a spring loaded release and takes some thumb effort to get the blade out. The Griptilian fits in just about any pocket you slide it into and after just a few minutes, it sits so lightly and comfortably that you may forget its even there until of course, you need it! The Bugout's blade is extremely thin when compared to the 940. The North Fork-1503 is designed to feel comfortable in your hands. Consisting of CPM-S30V steel probably makes this one of the toughest and strongest little mini-tools you could possibly carry. If youre like me and you arent a huge fan of partially serrated blades, you can find this knife with a plain edge as well and that may save you a couple of extra bucks! Spicy_Mex 2 yr. ago. The grind leaves a stiffening spine to about three-quarters of an inch from the point, and there are two grooved sections to give better purchase for your thumb just in front of the pivot, and at the front end of the spine. Two thumb studs on either side of the blade allow for fast and easy opening with either hand. The Bugout, while certainly not a bargain-bin blade, is offered at one of the lowest price points in all of Benchmade's catalog, clocking in at $160 for the base model. It is just a simple blade in a handle. That point is very strong and plenty capable of penetration while the belly has a ton of slashing real-estate along with a very nasty serration near the handle that is open and easily utilized against an assailant. The Axis Automatic mechanism is a little more aggressive than the Axis Assist and works by ejecting the blade immediately when the Axis tension bar is pressed. Larger knives (to a point) are easier to use. If youre worried about nicks and dings showing up, a plain or brushed finish would be good for you. Benchmade Foray 698 6. LifeSharp service from Benchmade means whenever you need to sharpen, hone, or fix your Benchmade knives, you just send them to their factory and they fix it for you. The Anthem is one of the best general-purpose knives you can buy for under $500. But what are the other differences between the two? - All Outdoors Guide, [] Benchmade North Fork: With a shorter but sturdier 2.7 inch blade the North Fork is a better solution if you want to give your knife some serious abuse, but it doesnt match the 1660 for sheer cutting power. The re curve does very well at cutting and it shines when you draw cut something as the re curve assists in cutting. Yeah, I know, that sounds lame, but sometimes having a professional do it for you is the way to go, especially when they can use tools and equipment that would cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy and operate. Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review, Things to be aware of before making a purchase. While this bit might seem an unoriginal move on the designers part, theres no doubt that it works well. This Scandinavian inspired Puukko knife is a small, light, and nifty tool despite being fixed and needing a sheath. Is it worth it to pay extra for high-quality American made goods? Their edge holds well, and they do not deteriorate or rust for a long time. The Grivory handles ensure the knife stays close to that ultra-light 2oz mark while still ensuring that the deadly Tanto blade is well supported when utilized. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. Weve already reviewed many Benchmade knives in other guides, including our favorite EDC knives here, camping knives here, and fixed blade knives here, but we have yet to truly focus on Benchmade alone. That passion has led me to build this site, Read on for my story. Yeah, we put it in the camping section because thats what I actually use it for most, but this is an all-around EDC badass. Its no secret that the Saddle Mountain series was designed to be a hunters best friend. I do have to say that the North Fork has really caught my eye. The slim point is ideal for precision work and while its not as strong as a sheeps foot form its still tough enough for most everyday cutting jobs. The Bailout is available with fine 'tool steels'. Benchmade invests a lot in making their handles good, and you can pick any one knife and be assured that the handle will be satisfactory. However, its also very functional when you use this as your daily carry knife. However, this one is my favorite since this is the so-called Super Freek, due to the upgraded CPM-M4 steel and handle material. Blade Style: Spear-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Skeletonized 6061-T6 Billet AluminumBlade Length: 3.95Total Length: 8.72Total Weight: 3.24 ounces. Anyway, on to the design of the North Fork. My Review: The Foray is a get the job done well rounded little pocket knife that I think anyone could get some seriously good usage and value out of. And it is ergonomics that set the Mini Barrage apart from other high-end knives we tested. The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. I cant make a list of great Benchmade knives and skip on the Freek knife, can I? Despite being pricey, Benchmade North Fork 1503 still remains a high quality and extremely durable all-round folding knife. Its topnotch features combined with high performance ensure the folding knife suits your everyday needs.Overall, North Fork 1503 takes pride in being a product of a respectable brand and it is specially built for tackling multiple tasks.Whether you want a reliable hunting knife, a reliable outdoor companion or you want something to use for making precision cuts, this tactical folding knife is your best bet. Benchmade Knives Custom Handle Scales Custom Bugout Scales Custom Bugout Scales These custom scales fit any version of the 535 Bugout from Benchmade. Check out the Benchmades official page for more information on the Lifesharp program here. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 3.88 ounces. For installation instructions, click here. Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife thats also perfect for everyday carry. 2022 Benchmade, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, Blade Finish: Finish Satin Blade Steel: CPM-S30V (58-60) Handle Material: Dymondwood(Wood). If its an understated EDC youre looking for, pick one of their lighter, folded pocket knives. Make no mistake, these Valox handles are seriously high quality and are only going to be found in premium knives with premium price tags. 2PCS Handle Patch G10 Micarta Blade Scales Fit For Benchmade North Fork That is, if the seller is providing real photos of the knife they are selling and not some stock photo or a picture taken from the Benchmade site. My Review: The Anthem 781, to many, is just a pretty piece of expensive metal and thats unfortunate because I think this knife is far better than most people realize. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. Just be aware of this before you buy. The Fact is everything I love about slender pocket knives while still being one lean mean little blade. No matter how hard youre going with the knife, it wont slip even if your hand is wet with water, sweat, or blood. Before we jump into discussing the beautiful pieces of sharp and pointy steel offered by one of our favorite companies, you need to know the pros and cons of each blade shape as well as the steel they are made of. Your message has been sent privately to our editorial staff for review. Opening and closing them is not a hassle because they have an excellent axis lock mechanism. Check out the Barrage that went on a diet here at this link. Keep in mind that the warranty is valid when you buy from authorized sellers. Aside from the somewhat unique blade shape approach, Benchmade has managed to offer you a 3.4 blade in a package that weighs less than 3 ounces and yet still manages to offer an excellent grip and a heavy-hitting S30V steel blade. Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! These are among the strongest blades Benchmade makes and so long as youre up to the task of taking care of them, they will perform excellently and will provide you with best-in-class usage and longevity. What sets the best of the best apart is their weight for the construction quality. The Griprilian is easily the best selling Benchmade knife for EDC usage- and the majority of Benchmade users would agree with me on this. You can brush up on your blade shape terminology by visiting the Marine Approved knife blade shapes guide here and you can learn all about the steel used to craft your favorite blades in the Marine Approved knife blade steels guide here. That drop-point is insanely strong due to S90Vs top tier tensile strength and hardness. The handle also has a lanyard hole at one end. The Bugout is a supremely good design and easy choice only if weight and ease of carry is of primary concern. That means although it has a natural wood base it wont swell or warp its just as stable as the G10 version. For this reason, even though the price seems exorbitant, I consider that buying Benchmade is actually a money-saving move. If I had to mention one downside to this blade, its the assisted opening thumb stud. My Review: This knife is hard to use, not because its not versatile or strong but because its so dang beautiful! Benchmade North Fork (Review & Buying Guide) 2021 - Task & Purpose A Review of the Benchmade North Fork Knife - All Outdoors Guide A difference of two letters in total. I feel like the other two are good options, but the northfork feels like it has a "soul". Benchmade 535 Bugout Drop-Point Fine-Edge Knife | REI Co-op Usually, locking mechanisms are good for around 50 to 100lbs of pressure but Benchmade, of course, took things many steps further and now their absolute minimum lock strength on any AXIS equipped knife is 200lbs, with most of their knives exceeding that. However, if youre wearing work gloves, that problem vanishes. Come, lets take a look at the latest Benchmade knives that I think are quite impressive. This will also give you the advantage of a stronger knife. Some of the reasons I personally prefer the Bugout over the Mini Grip include the longer blade length at 3.25 vs 2.91, the blade shape lending itself better for slicing, the weight reduction, and the awesome short carry clip. Benchmade Bugout vs Bailout - Knivesandtools While Ive tried to point out which knife in this list is good for which set of tasks, Im going to break things down a little bit more. Despite that, I feel that this is quite a good Benchmade EDC. All Axis locks are ambidextrous and most of them are easily used with one-handed operation. The Anthem is super thin despite feeling hefty and strong and this makes for an excellent middle-ground between comfort when carrying and girth when holding the knife, something you usually have to give in on one side or the other. My Review: Taking a more stealthy and slimline approach as opposed to the Contego, the Bailout is designed for exactly what its name implies. Benchmade North Fork Review- Solid Hunting Knife and EDC Option Benchmade is largely more expensive than a lot of other comparable knife options because of the incredible quality and unbeatable technologies theyve implemented into their knives. Benchmade Bugout 535 5. Benchmade Freek 560-1 Here Are the Best Folding Self Defense Benchmade Knives 9. $200 for probably the best spear-point assisted folder consisting of CPM-S30V steel is actually a pretty good deal if you really enjoy this type of thing. This is an obvious safety concern, but could also be considered a pro if you are using it heavily for certain outdoor tasks. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed! Blade Style: Ringed DaggerBlade Composition: 440HCHandle Composition: Full-Tang Handless DesignBlade Length: 3.22Total Length: 7.25. That good old homegrown quality and attention to detail dont come cheap and although I dont know the specifics, the information found here on Glassdoor indicates average wages that far exceed what Id expect most foreign knife manufacturers to offer their employees. I think the name probably sums up why its in the EDC category but lets explore what makes this one of the most popular reverse-tanto blades on the market today. What?! Benchmade Nakamura 484 7. The Benchmade Bailout, on the other hand, was designed for soldiers and other professionals who ask a lot from their tools. [Easy] How to Clean Rust off of a Gun Without Damaging it? If youre willing to pony up a little extra cash, and I do recommend this if you can, you can find the stylish carbon fiber version of the Benchmade Nakamura here. Here Are the Best Benchmade Knives for EDC 1. OTF knives are pretty cool and Benchmade does a fantastic job designing them, however, I think the Infidel shines best as a true fixed blade as the very nature of the blade is based on combat and tactical usage. Alright, that was cheesy, but the Altitude is a seriously cool knife and as much as it is cool, its actually functional. Carrying and utilizing the Griptilian on a daily basis is extremely easy and for that reason, I believe many people would agree, the Griptilian is one of the best values and best overall EDC knives offered by Benchmade today. First, the designers they employ and the complicated craftsmanship a lot of their knives consist of. Both knives are enhanced with a lanyard hole. I have owned 5 northforks and just about as many mini grips. Blade Style: Gut Hook Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Wood Filled Resin or G10Blade Length: 4.17Total Length: 8.73Total Weight: 4.7 ounces 5.13 ounces (Varies depending on options). My Review: Benchmade seems to love making little one-off designed utility tools and this would be the case for the Aller 380. The Barrage is also available in either a partially serrated blade or a full plain edge and overall, the Barrage feels a lot like many of the other 3.6 EDC related pocket knives and it comes equipped with the Benchmade AXIS-ASSIST mechanism, meaning its perfect for quick one-handed operation. Benchmade 535 Bugout drop-point fine-edge knife was designed with modern outdoor adventurers in mind, incorporating lightweight, robust materials in an extremely slim, yet ergonomic package. Before buying the knife, check for design to ensure you are getting a well-balanced knife as intended by Benchmade.Otherwise, you might actually purchase a folding knife with a terrible design if you forget to check whether the Benchmade North Fork-1503 you are investing in is well-designed. Its essential for hunters wanting to dress their harvest. Instead, you get ALL the goodies! The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality. Blade Style: Double-Sided Spear-PointBlade Composition: D2Handle Composition: Scale Textured 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 4.52Total Length: 9.21Total Weight: 5.11 ounces. Some people are quite partial to G10 handles, while some prefer the lightness of glass-filled nylon or Santoprene. benchmade north fork for sale | eBay If youd like to show your support to Les De Asis and the Benchmade family, visit this link and find out how you can become a part of the Benchmade community by contributing to his Makerspace memorial contribution fund that is geared towards educating our youth for further exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The price of a Benchmade is primarily based on three things. The 440HC steel is not like the typical premium hard to sharpen steels that Benchmade usually uses and can be sharpened relatively easily in a short amount of time. Benchmade Knives for sale - Knives Plus - Premium Plus Dealer The price is quite reasonable for a Benchmade, and the performance coupled with a modern aesthetic look makes it the best Benchmade knife for giving to someone who loves knives. luke86 Joined Mar 29, 2015 Messages 825 I will say this, I do love assisted knives simply for the experience and although this knife is a manual two-handed opener, the blade is super heavy and the opening mechanism is so smooth that it delivers a very unique opening experience I have yet to see replicated by any other knife. In addition to making some of the most iconic and popular knives for everyday carry, Benchmade also has a long and storied history with their outdoor knives. The bugout never gets carried. Benchmade Bugout Review - Knife Life - Blade HQ Hiker's Dream Knife: Benchmade Bugout Review | GearJunkie Keep 'em coming. Are Benchmade Knives Worth the Expensive Price Tag? The original Freek, the 560, isnt available new anymore from what I understand and since the new version, the 560-1, encompasses CPM-M4 steel instead of what was previously used, thats why this version is dubbed the Super Freek, even though its not technically called that by Benchmade. For self-propelled, wild travels, the Benchmade Bugout is arguably the best pocket knife we have tested. The knife is made for hunting, but it can still be utilized for other tasks and in various outdoor activities.Unlike other Benchmade knives, the folding knife is crafted to deliver great performance coupled with enhanced durability.Even some of the most popular folding knives cant match the degree of versatility offered by Benchmade North Fork-1503.Again, even the market leaders cannot tackle as many tasks as the ones this folding knife can tackle. However, that is not the whole story. I have the north fork, bugout, and gifted a mini grip. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM S30VHandle Composition: Sealed Wood or Patterned G10Blade Length: 2.97Total Length: 6.97Total Weight: 3.41 ounces. Blade Style: Drop-Point With Saw-Tooth SpineBlade Composition: D2Handle Composition: Bare Skeletonized and SlottedBlade Length: 4.2Total Length: 9.03Total Weight: 5.6 ounces. This dude Steve Tarani designed the Aileron with a, get this, Tarani Two-handed opening mechanism, thats meant to ensure no accidental opening while traveling through our lower atmosphere. My Review: Adding a little flavor to the list is the SOCP dagger and trainer combo offered by Benchmade. Looking through the reviews, I found that the customers absolutely love the manual opening action and that the blade was perfectly centered. In all reality, this knife was designed to be abused and it will withstand constant daily abuse in harsh elements with no problems and thats why the Crooked River is a solid choice among outdoor sportsmen. It finally made sense. My Review: The Super Freek is well-known by its ultra-hard and super tough CPM-M4 steel blades that are certainly not for a beginner knife owner. If the knife doesnt feel comfortable, then it is apparent the knife isnt manufactured by Benchmade itself. Its hard to explain, but this knife is pretty darn cool for the right person. The gut hook is exceptionally sharp and perfectly angled so that it slides right through skin and hair like youre slicing paper. If you have the full size grip I'd double down on the Bugout, very suitable office knife and anywhere else for that matter. On the other hand, if you want a hard steel knife that you wouldnt twist or rock too much, you can pick a higher HRC. Customize your 535 Bugout knife with a plain drop-point or serrated drop-point blade, coupled with a CF Elite or Grivory handle. Gerber Sharkbelly Folding Knife- this versatile folding knife boasts a 320HC stainless steel blade for both precision cutting and for cutting remarkably tough materials.The scratch-resistant pocket clip offers a tip down carry that prevents the knifes razor sharp blade from tearing your pockets. I have the North Fork g10 and it is edc perfection. Benchmade 15051 Big Summit Lake Another drop point with a slightly longer blade 2.9 inches and Dymondwood handle, this is ideal for anyone who likes the concept of the North Fork but isnt as keen on the Axis Lock. Thank you for your contribution. It is easy to make a heavy, sturdy knife. Its most noticeable trait is the Dymondwood scales. Id argue that this is an excellent knife for someone looking in the premium folding Tanto section. Designer: Benchmade Mechanism: AXIS Action: Manual-opening Blade Steel: CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) Blade Length: 2.97" (7.54cm) Blade Thickness: 0.114" (2.90mm) Open Length: 6.97" (17.70cm) Closed Length: 3.90" (9.91cm) Handle Thickness: 0.53" (13.46mm) Weight: 3.16oz. It's plenty sturdy IMO and the tiny pocket clip is fantastic. Sure, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to know that a knife consisting of a titanium handle is probably of decent quality but what a lot of people miss is that the chunk of titanium consists entirely of just one single piece. However, its not textured so you might not get as much grip as youd expect from other EDC knives. Do you want random dudes to smile in awe and quickly ask Bro, is that a Benchmade? Maybe you do, maybe you dont, but thats the kind of brand recognition Benchmade has earned by delivering exceptional customer loyalty and overall quality. A steeper angle may very well be sharp, but it doesn't cut very well because the faces must force the material apart further after making the initial cut. CPM-20CV is not a steel Benchmade is known to use but this particular steel offers incredible corrosion resistance while still being close in hardness to the other ultra-premium steels. You can sharpen it in the field, but we recommend doing it at home and taking your time. These are the fastest and least requiring effort to open and use a spring to flip the knife out immediately. Okay, I know, that was a lead up to virtually nothing, but nowadays we have the AXIS lock which makes Benchmades folding knives exceptionally strong. North Fork 1503 comes with Benchmades AXIS lock, which is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong. The size is such that it clips relatively unobtrusively to your pants pocket. Hi, this is Jason Rhodes. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. Most people likely end up with a drop-point shaped blade when searching for an EDC and that makes sense, considering the drop-point is one of the most versatile blade shapes, however, the reverse-tanto can be just as versatile and when done correctly, as it is on the EDC 940. A little oiling also makes sure the axis locking joint is smooth as butter. A final note here, most Benchmade clips are not compatible with the Anthem and the Anthems clip is not compatible with any other Benchmade knife Ive reviewed. You can actually get the same drop-point attributes with further controllability in tight situations.